Katie Shields (18) was returning to Hop Pole on the A16, near Spalding, from a shopping trip when the smash happened in broad daylight on an "arrow straight" stretch of road.

Mark Van der Zwart, prosecuting, told the jury at Lincoln Crown Court that Katie's Vauxhall Corsa was struck by a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4.

The jeep was being driven by farmer Charles Dobney, who hit Miss Shield's car as she attempted to turn off the main A16 onto a track leading to her family home.

Miss Shields, a sixth form pupil at The Deepings School, died instantly from her injuries.

Mr Van der Zwart said that in the minutes before the crash, Dobney's driving attracted the attention of other motorists because of the speed at which he was travelling in a 50mph zone.

Tests later showed he was driving at least at 70mph when the collision happened. Motorist Mavis Taylor was overtaken by Dobney moments earlier.

Mr Van der Zwart said: "The 4X4 overtook her at high speed, so much so that it made her jump. In her opinion the vehicle must have been travelling at a lot more than 50mph."

Another witness was also overtaken by Dobney in a 30mph stretch of the same road close to a local school.

Mr Van der Zwart said: "The speed of the defendant's car was at least 70 in a 50mph zone at the time of the collision.

"It was a straight stretch of road and a fine day. Katie's car was in the middle of the road for all the world to see."

Dobney later told police he had little memory of what happened but could recall overtaking a car in front of him moments before the collision.

Dobney (51) of Park Lane, Surfleet, Lincs, denies causing death by driving dangerously on April 26, 2007.

The trial continues.